Come All Ye Pirates! [Open]

[JULIE WOLFE]

The sky of Pirate Cover was crimson and appeared to be on fire, thick with smoke, as explosions and cannon-fire shook the town, causing even the walls and floors of the Drunken Wrench to quiver and shake. And yet not a single pirate or wench reacted or seemed to care for whatever dangerous quarrel was taking place outside in the harbour. After all, it was the norm within Pirate Cove.

Inside the popular bar pirates and sailors occupied its every corner and wall, a wench or two fawning at their sides, rum clutched in their fists. More than once a bar-fight broke out, sending pirate against pirate, fists flying, rapiers drawn, pistols emptying. But it was all in good fun. Once the beaten man or fresh corpse was removed the celebrating would resume, louder and more wild than before.

Perched on top of the tavern's bar sat Julie Wolfe, one long leg folded over the other and golden-blond head lowered as he conversed to the men who gathered at his side. There were no wenches for dear Julie, for he had no interest in them, none at all. Blue eyes were slightly glazed as he smiled happily yet he didn't hesitate as he reached for the half-full bottle of rum at his side and took a healthy swig. The jeweled rings recently added to his fingers from a successful pillage struck the bottle's glass surface musically, as did the short golden chain that carried from earlobe to lip. Licking his bottom lip, Julie lifted and rested a very battered guitar against his lap before running his fingers agilely along its strings, strumming a fast tune. Attention began to move toward the pretty pirate, for those of the Huntsmaster were known for their knowledge of sea shanties, and their fondness for them too.

"When I get back from a mighty quest I have no need for sleep or rest," Julie sang, not beautifully or all that in tune. But that sort of thing didn't matter to pirates. "I head to a tavern for a drink and get so drunk I cannot think. A wench by my side and a jug of mead, these are the things that I most need. So I sit back and sing this song, and drink and party all night long!"

A nod of his head and one of the boys at his side raised the bottle of rum to Julie's lips, who drank heartily as cheers rose up from the crowd. Yes, the Drunken Wench was lively tonight.